VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS: KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICES AND OCCURRENCE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVING ANTENATAL CARE IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL, GHANA

Background Vulvovaginal Candidiasis is a condition commonly caused by Candida albicans . It is the second most common infection of the female genitalia affecting many women worldwide. Studies have identified unhealthy genital care practices associated with the infection among women including expectant mothers. Knowledge of the various signs and symptoms is crucial for early detection, reporting, and treatment. Good knowledge may influence healthy practices limiting the infection and its complications. This study assessed the relationship between knowledge, practices and occurrence of Vulvovaginal candidiasis among pregnant women accessing antenatal care at a teaching hospital in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 336 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the Ho Teaching Hospital. A structured questionnaire was employed in assessing their knowledge on the infection and some practices regarding vaginal hygiene. Hospital records of these participants were further checked to verify the occurrence of the infection among them. Analysis to identify associations between outcome variables and risk factors as well as significance level was carried out. Results Out of the 336 gestational mothers involved in the study, 27% were found to have been diagnosed with candidiasis at the time of the study. Pregnant women who usually use antibiotics had 2.25 increased odds of developing Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) compared to those who do not [OR:2.25 95CI:1.33-3.79; p-value = 0.003]. Again, a greater percentage of the study participants, 85% had good knowledge whiles 5% had poor knowledge. Conclusion The occurrence of VVC was elevated in the study jurisdiction. Frequent antibiotic use was found as a significant factor associated with the occurrence of the infection.